Royal Commission report day 17 page 4 (2)
The Royal Commission evidence for 10/5/1881
(see also introduction to day 17)
Constable Dowling giving evidence
4860 Did you see what he did?— No, I did not take much notice.
4861 Did you see him afterwards during the day?— I saw him several times going up and down to the railway station.
4862 From the west?— Yes.
4863 In going from Beechworth, taking up your position, did you go beyond the yard, or keep the yard still between you?— Yes.
4864 In giving your evidence to-day, in what way have you considered the building to face?— The verandah part would face the east.
4865 You have recognized that direction in all the questions you have answered?— Yes.
4866 Mr. O'Connor came from the platform round at the north end of the building, travelling round, and the black trackers were stationed at one point, or were they divided?— They were divided, and were all behind trees.
4867 In which direction were they stationed—one separately or two together?— I think there were two of them together in some places.
4868 Altogether they would be in three or four different places?— They would be in three different places to the west—that would be on the opposite end to the railway station.
4869 Mr. O'Connor was several times walking about during the day attending to his duties, having the black trackers under his charge, was that so?— I never saw him speaking to any of them; I do not know his motive in walking about.
4870 Did he give you any orders?— He did not.
4871 Did you see Mr. O’Connor from the time the prisoners were released at the hotel?— Yes, I think I did, once or twice.
4872 Where was he at the time the people came out and held their hands up and walked towards Mr. Sadleir; did you see him at that time?— No, I would not be sure I did see him.
4873 You saw him several times during the day?— Yes.
4874 Were you there when the house was set fire to?— I was.
4875 Did you hear any shots being fired from the building when the house was set fire to for some time?— No, I did not.
4876 Did you see the priest going into the house? — I think the first police to go in were Constable Armstrong and Constable Dwyer.
4877 I said the priest, not the police?— Yes, I did see him go in.
4878 Did he remain in long?— No, I should think he just walked through.
4879 Did he come rushing out again?— He just held out his hands and said they were all dead inside.
4880 Did any constables go to to the building before he did that?— I do not think so.
4881 Did any of them move from their positions before that to rush the building?— Not that I am aware of.
4882 They rushed the building immediately after that?— Yes, I think so.
4883 How far were the police generally from the building when the priest went in?— I believe I and Kirkham were the nearest to it.
4884 About how far, according to your estimate?— About twenty yards, I should think.
4885 And no policeman passed you to try to get in until after the priest held up his hands?— No.
4886 Was it immediately after the house was set on fire the priest walked up to the building?— Yes, immediately after.
4887 Did he ask to be allowed to go in before it was set on fire?— I could not say that.
4888 Did you hear about any volunteer wishing to go in and rush the building before it was set on fire?— No.
4889 Neither police nor civilian?— No.
4890 Did you go down to the railway station to get lunch after you got there?— I went for the purpose of getting ammunition. I went to Mr. Sadleir and asked him.
4891 How many rounds do you suppose you fired at the house?— I might have fired about a hundred, perhaps.
4892 So many as that?— I think so.
4893 How many charges had you served out to you at various times—is it not customary to serve out a certain number of charges?— Not on that particular day; I do not think so.
4894 What was your arm?— A Spencer rifle and a revolver.
4895 Were you allowed to help yourself to cartridges or were they given out by any recognized officer?— No, they were not particular; you can go and help yourself. Mr. Sadleir told me to get them from someone; I do not recollect where it was.
4896 Can you recollect?— I got them from some place at the railway station, I cannot remember where now.
4897 Did you help yourself from the store without taking note of the quantity?— I did; I cannot say how many I took.
4898 You just took up a number?— Yes.
4899 You think it is probable you fired a hundred shots?— Yes, I daresay. ....
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